Campinas is both a city and a municipality in the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil and, with a population of nearly 1,081,000 people, it is the third most populous city in the state and the fourteenth in the country. As such as major city, it is full of history and culture for visitors to discovery and various Brazilian traditions and customs to experience as a typical city of energy and activity. It is also home to areas of natural beauty, containing huge forests and parklands and being surrounded by nearby mountains and with a subtropical climate, Campinas is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Brazilian weather.
Campinas is full of cultural attractions, such as the Museu do Cafe, which reveals the history of Sao Paulo state, the Museum of the Old Railway Station, various theatres, an observatory and downtown sightseeing squares like Largo do Para. For incredible views over the city, visitors can climb to the top of Castle Tower, which at the height of 27 metres, provides lovely skyline views from the observation deck, or another central attraction is the Metropolitan Cathedral. To escape the city streets, visitors can relax in Parque do Taquaral, a park renowned for its family activities and popular running and bike tracks, also containing a large lake, where visitors can boat, a huge amphitheatre and impressive planetarium. There are plenty of opportunities to shop in Campinas, with various food markets selling exotic cuisine and local produce, and large commercial malls selling popular fashion labels and Brazilian brands.
The nearest airport to Campinas is Viracopos Airport, which is a 25-minute journey by car from the centre, reachable by local bus, shuttle services, taxis or car and two other airports are within two hours of the city. Visitors travelling from throughout Brazil can travel into the central bus terminal or possibly take a train into the city, although these are more limited and local. The easiest way to travel around Campinas is by bus, with many urban networks and connections to outer neighbourhoods.
Founded in 1774, Campinas was originally no more than an outpost between the cities of Minas Gerais and Goias, although it became more popular during the 19th Century for its coffee, cotton and sugar industries. The city became wealthy through coffee exports and developed its cultural attractions and transport connections throughout Brazil.